‘Spirit of reconciliation’: Memorial for allegedly murdered teenager Cassius Turvey

A permanent memorial will honour allegedly murdered teenager Cassius Turvey, who has been described as “an inspiring and gentle leader”.

Images of Cassius Turvey were shown at his funeral.

The legacy of Aboriginal teenager Cassius Turvey, whose tragic death sparked an outpouring of grief across Australia and overseas, will be honoured with a permanent memorial at a Perth park “in the spirit of reconciliation”.

The 15-year-old schoolboy and his friends had just stepped off a bus and were walking along Patterson Drive in Middle Swan on October 13 when Cassius was allegedly bashed with a metal pole by a stranger. He died 10 days later.

City of Swan councillors have now voted to work with Cassius’ mother Mechelle Turvey and Aboriginal elders to create a memorial plaque, commemorative structure or space at Weeip Park.

Cassius Turvey and his friends had just stepped off a bus when he was allegedly bashed with a metal pole.

The Aboriginal teenager’s legacy will be honoured with a permanent memorial.

“It is important to commemorate the loss of an innocent young man in the spirit of reconciliation and community,” councillor Cate McCullough said in her motion.

“A memorial will stand as a reminder of Cassius Turvey – an emerging, inspiring and gentle leader who, even in his short life, has left a significant legacy in our communities, across our nation and the world.”

Cassius died in hospital 10 days after the alleged attack, having suffered severe head injuries, which led to seizures and strokes.

Jack Steven James Brearley, 21, has been charged with murdering Cassius but is yet to enter a plea.

He has also been charged with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and stealing linked to a 13-year-old boy who was with Cassius at the time.

Cassius died in hospital 10 days after the alleged attack.

He has been described as an emerging, inspiring and gentle leader.

Police allege Mr Brearley struck Cassius with a pole, believed to be a shopping trolley handle, then stole the boy’s walking crutches and cap.

A GoFundMe page set up by Cassius’s cousin Michelle Wighton has raised more than $728,000.

Vigils and peaceful rallies for Cassius have been held across Australia and overseas.

At his emotional funeral last month, Cassius’s niece Saraia Radcliffe described him as her brother and twin.

“We were both born on the same day, at the same hospital, but with different parents; however, our bond was unbreakable,” she said.

“I waited for him and he rushed to be born on the same day as me … we were in tune together.

“Cassius is a kind and empathetic boy who had a handsome smile and a warm laugh.

“He was helpful and was selfless, just like his dad.”

A GoFundMe page set up by Cassius’s cousin Michelle Wighton has raised more than $728,000.

Vigils and peaceful rallies for Cassius have been held across Australia and overseas.

She also shared that she had wanted Cassius to walk her down the aisle when she got married.

“You will forever be 15 and I will forever be broken,” she said.

“You were everything to me … I love and miss you, Cassius.”

Swan View Senior High School principal George Sekulla also paid tribute to Cassius, saying he often went out of his way to open doors for staff.

“When he entered a classroom, he would light up the room,” Mr Sekulla said.

“He had the biggest smile that radiated warmth and a lot of affection for everyone.

“Cassius was everyone’s friend and Cassius had so many friends.

“The way he would build relationships … was amazing.

“He was very charming, very positive, loved to laugh, and when he spoke to you, it was as if you were the most important person in the world.”